British Cinematographer: Diversity & Inclusion

Zoe Mutter & Helen Parkinson

FUTURES IN FILM

Pixeleyed Pictures executive director Rizwan Wadan, known for his work on productions such as Star Wars: Rogue One, The Favourite and Luther, set up Futures in Film as an industry-led solution to the skills shortage. It allows participants to gain industry knowledge, technical skills, practical training, on set experience and work placements using industry-standard equipment on production simulations which reflect the technically challenging fast paced environment where crew are required to solve problems on set.

Futures in Film also focuses on supporting talent from disadvantaged and underrepresented communities – including individuals with neurodiverse conditions – and faith groups, with a particular focus on Muslims who have additional barriers when it comes to higher education in general as student loans which are interest-bearing cannot be taken. There are also cultural barriers, where family may not support a career in the industry. Restrictions can be faith-based, and Wadan has been working with leaders and community groups to help address this.

With support from leading industry organisations including RED, ARRI Rental, Panavision, CVP, MBS Equipment Co, Sunbelt Rentals, and EG Group (ASDA), the initiative aims to create pathways for the next generation of technical crew and filmmakers.

Former BSC president Gavin Finney BSC applauds the Pixeleyed Pictures [Futures in Film] training initiative in Blackburn: “If the UK film industry is not only going to flourish, but more importantly, to last, we need the long-term thinking and investment in the future that this project represents.”

(Full Link: https://britishcinematographer.co.uk/diversity-and-inclusion/)